Clarke: West Brom fans have no qualms with Anelka

The veteran French striker was pondering retiring from the game recently after being granted compassionate leave following the death of his friend and agent Eric Manasse.

Anelka returned to training with the Baggies on Thursday and was slotted straight into Clarke's starting line-up for Sunday's 2-0 loss to Swansea City with the manager suggesting all was well with the club, the player and the fans.

"I thought Nicolas' performance was really good and I picked him in the starting XI so I must have been happy with him (in training)," he told Sky Sports.

"Nicolas is part of the squad and he's a good player; his performance showed he is a good player. I think the fans like him, they like the fact that Nicolas Anelka plays for West Brom.

"Of course the crowd are behind him, he's one of their players. He's part of the squad and everyone is happy he's here."